Sunday, June 30, 2013

If I were to judge a skincare product solely by its packaging, then I can almost taste the freshness of French skincare brand Pulpe de Vie. One look and I get images of bright Provençal sun-ripened fruits and an overall wholesome, all-natural appeal.

I kind of want to flip open a cap and squirt the Luscious Glow Body Milk straight into my mouth, then chase it down with a tube of Kiss Me lip gloss.

But more than bright, cheerful, almost scrumptious packaging, Pulpe de Vie's face and body products really do deliver the goods, in all its certified organic goodness.

Fresh. All Pulpe de Vie products are made from fresh and organic fruit and vegetables from the Mediterranean area and directly purchased from local producers. Which means, less carbon footprint as no fruits were transported from afar

Allergen-Free. Formulated with fruit water, which is full of active ingredients and whose flavoring properties make it possible to replace the use of essential oils, Pulpe de Vie's formulation is soft on the skin and free of allergy risks. And yes! Safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women!

Natural. Coloring agents are natural ochres from the villages of Luberon, also in the South of France

ECOCERT Certified. Not tested on animals, no GMO, no silicones, no parabens, no fragrances or synthetic coloring agents, no phenoxyethanols, no PEG.

In true MFO fashion, I tried on three of Pulpe de Vie's nine products myself, and they are nothing short of delightful.

The Kiss Me Lipgloss, made with prickly pears, lavander honey, bee's wax, olive oil and vitamin E, tastes like fruit-flavored olive oil. It truly feels all-natural, and not sticky, as most lip glosses tend to feel like fly paper on my lips. The color is as natural as can be. It looks dark in the tube but comes out to just enhance the natural color of my lips.

The citrus-y, berry delicious grapefruit/blackcurrant scent of the Luscious Glow Moisturizing Body Milk can really perk up your day. I suggest you save your thicker body creams for evening, and just slather this on in the morning after a shower. It's a very light, milky lotion. I like using it as a hand moisturizer too. I'd rub my hands together with it, and then cup my face to take in the scent. Transports me to a happy, sunshine-y place everytime, I swear.

Anti-ageing need not be so serious with Amant de Soir/Love Me Tonight Anti-Ageing Night Cream. 99% natural and 56.2% organic, it is made with a fruit cocktail of raspberry, fig water, blackcurrant, lime-tree leaves and prickly pear oil. It also contains 3 anti-ageing ingredients: beech buds (anti-wrinkle), hyaluronic acid (moisturizing) and hydroxyproline (restructuring). While I was initially put off by the thick, rich consistency (I've stopped using La Mer in Manila because it was too thick) and would only apply it on my neck and jaw area, since I figured these were safe zones that would benefit from a rich cream, I decided to try it on my face, and OMG, it just seemed to melt into my face. It was not greasy at all. It does have a slightly spicy scent, but hello, I've happily used Dr. Perricone on my face, which smells like fish. Fishy vs. Spicy? I have no complaints.

About Pulpe de Vie:

Pulpe de Vie was started in 2009 by a then 33 year old Julie Ducret, whose love for adventure and enthusiasm for life took her all over the world. She eventually went back home and moved to the South of France to do what she always wanted - start a business which reflected her own values: respect, quality, joy, simplicity and sustainable living. The
result as we know, is Pulpe de Vie.

Today, Pulpe de Vie is available across France, and at select beauty shops in the US, Japan and the Philippines and remains a 100% French firm, where everything from production to packaging is still done in France.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

What would compel a woman to have her name carved into a clutch? Is it vanity? Pride? Or both?

Edie Parker says its bespoke line of clutches "transforms the classic accessory into a stylish statement of identity." After all, "A woman's handbag has forever been her most personal accessory."

True. True.

If you'd like your own bespoke Edie Parker clutch, be willing to wait four to six weeks for it. Each piece is obviously unique and handcrafted with care in the US of A.

I know what I want already, that one like Sofia's, above. A gold confetti clutch with my initials CD in solid black. MFO could be fun too. But to shell out $1795 for one? The question I really should be asking is - when?

I like my name, and I'd love to see it emblazoned on an expensive clutch. Vanity and pride rearing their ugly heads. Edie Parker, I beg thee, release me from thy clutches!

In 2010, Brett Heyman, former PR director for Gucci, launched a collection of vintage-style acrylic clutches and handbags under the label Edie Parker. Inspired by her love for vintage handbags, particularly handbags favored by showgirls and socialites during the 1950s and 1960s, her clutches are chic, wearable sculptures that are objects of delight with retro soul.

Here's a round-up of the latest and most interesting products you might come across while traipsing along your favorite grocery aisle this month:

California Crunch - if you love junk food but you don't want junk in your trunk, then these healthy Og trans fat, cholestorol free and absolutely yummy cassava chips from California Crunch will cure the munchies away. Not only does cassava have more fiber and 30% less fat than potatoes, it is also good source of vitamin B3, iron and calcium.

Celeteque Brightening -
Do you want to have radiant, luminous skin? The kind na "nakakasilaw"?

Céleteque DermoScience's new hand and body lotion called Céleteque DermoScience Brightening Radiance Body Cream just might be the answer. It contains MultiBright™ Complex, a revolutionary fusion of seven plant extracts that reduce melanin to help you achieve glowing, even-toned skin. It also has SPF 15 which provides double sunscreen protection against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays that cause skin darkening, uneven skin tone and premature skin aging.

Other products from the Brightening line include the Brightening Facial Wash, Tri-benefit Power Cream, Multi-benefit BB Cream, Dark Spot Corrector and the Eye Tuck Plus Dark Circles Lightener.

Moringa 02 - Malunggay is apparently not just for breastfeeding. Moringa 02 harnesses the healing, anti-aging, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Malunggay, Olive Oil and Omega to create beauty products like no other. Together, these three natural wonders promise to keep your skin clean, soft, pimple-free, moisturized and glowing no matter the season.

Human Nature Tough Love is a genuinely natural and affordable brand of home care products from Human Nature, the all natural line of personal care products and cosmetics that are 100% made in the Philippines and 100% free from harmful chemicals.If you are suffering from skin allergies like contact dermatitis from using harsh household cleaners, then switch to these chemical irritant-free ones stat!

Starting the Tough Love product line up are the Tough Love Natural Dishwashing Liquid and Natural Liquid Detergent that make sure you’re tough on grease, dirt and stains while being gentle on your family’s health, their skin and our environment. Absolutely free of phosphates, chlorine, bleach, dyes, enzymes, petroleum, synthetic fragrances, optical brighteners, and other harmful chemicals present in common household cleaners.

Tough Love by Human Nature’s Natural Dishwashing Liquid and Natural Liquid Detergent are available at Human Nature Branches, Dealers, select retailers and at www.humanheartnature.com/buy for as low as Php89.75.

KIMY Playstix are fun, multi-colored and versatile sticks that kids can connect and build amazing toys with. Playstix add an extra dose of fun to the already enjoyable popsicle and ice cream sticks from Nestle, because instead of a wooden popsicle stick, you get KIMY Playstix. When you buy a KIMY Playstix pack, you get a total of 15 inside. Oh and good news parents, Kimy ice cream products contain only the recommended amount of sugar and are 100% free from artificial coloring.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

This is Berry in her Bensimon x Bonpoint sneakers, back when she was 2 years old.

These sneakers don't fit her anymore. But I am saving them for Xavi. Yes, because real boys wear pink. Haha.

This is me in my Bensimons when Berry was a year and a half. I was not strangling her, I was trying to get her to look at the camera. Heehee.

We love our Bensimons. They are so comfortable. And chic. And are real classics. Yes, I sound like such a cliche.

I discovered Bensimon during our New York years via my friend Sarj, who wears them for walking around Manhattan. There were no sexy shoes in that city for us, haha.

I ended up getting my pair at Mick Margo on Commerce Street in the West Village, when I found myself hobbling and needed comfortable shoes, because I got blisters from wearing a pair of Melissas that got wet because some cab splashed water on me while I was on my merry way to meet my friends Rissa and Happy at Cafe Cluny, also in the West Village.

I have been a long time fan of Bensimon and was all the more thrilled when I found out they brought in the line for kids too! Yay Berry and Xavi!

There's a slip-on version too. I am going to get one in navy. I can imagine it na with white jeans and a white Alexander Wang t-shirt. Heffortless!

Lest you think Bensimon is only about classic tennis shoes or la tennis Bensimon, it is in fact a lifestyle brand. Started thirty years ago by brothers Serge and Yves Bensimon, with a small shop in the Marais district of Paris, on the famous Rue des Francs Bourgeois street, the brand is "inspired by travel, military and true Parisian fashion" selling not just sneakers but clothing, luggage, fragrance, and well-designed home goods.

In the Philippines, Bensimon is brought in by Terry S.A., distributor of Havaianas, David & Goliath, Dupe and Pininho. Ammiel de Leon, brand director of Bensimon Philippines believes that with Bensimon, they can change the Filipino perception of sneakers into something sophisticated and stylish.

And like those darn Havaianas, I want one in every color! I am not stopping at two. Eeep!

My old Bensimons meet the new, hello hello!

Xavi, you won't be barefoot for long. I am getting you and Atchi Berry a pair each too. Heehee.

Whether you want some alone time to muni muni by your lonesome, while looking out the picture window...

Or you feel like celebrating with your amigas by throwing a Spa-rty for a reason (or no reason because donyas don't need a reason), where you can have your fill of canapes by Chef Marco Legasto of Prime 101 or decadent sweet treats by Chef Kittin Constantino, then I've got the place just for you: Nail & Co.

Last month, the Vain Mama, Vanessa Santos invited Karrots and I to visit her friend Vicky Tensuan's nail salon, Nail & Co. in Fort Bonifacio. We happily said yes, because when it comes to beauty, we don't say no.

Tucked at the 2/F of Kensington Place by Burgos Circle, Nail & Co. is definitely a nail connoisseur's haven. There's plush seating, a quiet comforting calm in the air, and an overall clean, chic feel...

imagine this without my shopping bags, ahihihi

...and lots and lots of polish. From Essie and Orly to cult brand Deborah Lippmann and luxe Chanel, yes Chanel, Nail & Co. has them all.

Which is not surprising since Nail & Co. is co-owned by ex-beauty editor Vicky Tensuan and Charlotte Urieta. Its like Vicky thought of all the things she wanted and expected in a nail salon, then decided to channel her expertise to good use and put up that dream nail salon herself.

An extra perk in going to Nail & Co. of course, is you get valuable tips from the in-house beauty guru, Vicky. When I was there, I wanted a discreet, nude tone for my nails and she recommended her personal fave, Essie's Ballet Slippers which is a pretty, pale pink shade.

Whether you go by yourself to decompress, with a friend, your daughter, or significant other, you are in for a treat. All the more when you fill up Nail & Co. with friends.

Check out their party packages, inclusive of dessert or canape buffet...

Bonding specials:

Brides-to-be, you are extra special. Check out The Long Haul Package, where you can get gel mani-pedis with two of your favorite girls - whether it be your mom and future mother-in-law, sister and sister-in-law, or two of your dearest friends, get them all together and start them on the right foot, literally! ;)

Have you fallen asleep while having a facial? In the middle of pricking? Ever?

I have. I just had a porcelain facial at Blanca de China, a new spa in San Juan (near Greeka Kouzina) and OMG - it was the most relaxing facial I have ever had in my life.

While my face was about to be steamed, soft piped music playing in the background, a massage therapist magically appeared at my side and told me I was getting an arm massage. What a pleasant surprise, I thought. I let all my cares melt away, happy that I got an unexpected massage to go with my facial.

By the time my facialist Daphne started on extraction, the masseuse was massaging my left hand and then, I don't know what happened next. All I knew was that when I woke up, I had a mask on.

It was that good.

I can totally see how I can do this regularly and come out with skin like unblemished porcelain. This was not torture. It was a treat, through and through.

Blanca de China, or Blanc de Chine in French means "White from China", a type of white Chinese porcelain from Dehua aka Dehua porcelain. But it also refers to the boutique spa that my former officemates from Citibank, Francis and Joanne Magboo put up with their cousins.

And what a pretty spa it is. This is the receiving area/hand and foot massage area:

While these steps lead to the private massage rooms on the second floor:

This is the massage/facial room on the ground floor. Very clean, the sheets are fresh and the towels are still fluffy. Dada and I had a full body massage here a week ago, and we couldn't help but compare the experience to other massage spas we've been to where the towels feel threadbare, sad and forlorn. There's none of that here, everything at Blanca de China still has that new spa feel.

I told Joanne how much I liked the interiors and she shares that the look was patterned after her own home, which is very "Shabby Chic". In fact, some of the decor and furniture, like that French Rococo armchair you see below was from her house and was "donated" to Blanca de China.

It seems the warmth and coziness of Joanne's home came along with that armchair. After my facial and upper lip threading, my facialist asked me if I wanted some tea at the sitting area. She came out with this tea tray, how pretty.

Needless to say, I was charmed and smitten. It's like being welcomed into the comfortably chic home of a gracious hostess. I will definitely be coming over for repeat visits.

And at these prices, Blanca de China is just hard to resist.

PS - White ain't right without serious sterilizing involved. Blanca de China sterilizes all instruments, diamond peel and cautery tips using a dry heat sterilizer that kills bacteria and other harmful microorganisms.

There's that old saying "Eat breakfast like a king, eat lunch like a prince, and eat dinner like a pauper."

But what do kings eat for breakfast? Do they have whole turkey pan de sal? Golden eggs? Silver chicken nuggets? Freshly picked fruit by the foot? Grape juice in goblets?

We may never know the answer, unless...Royal Readers, may I beg thee, enlighten us! Tandadandan! (That's trumpets blaring. I also don't know why I like saying Tandadandan these days)

But this I know - Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. I make sure Berry eats a balanced breakfast of fruits, grains, yogurt or milk and juice before she heads out to school. As for Xavi? He usually eats yogurt and fruit, or congee. He loves congee!

Now before you think I am following the steps of GOOP herself, I have bought cereals before, sugar laden Fruit Loops in fact. Berry had a Fruit Loops phase, but she eventually grew tired of it and would not touch it with a ten foot pole. So back to fruits and yogurt she went. Good girl, well trained no?

I am thinking this time she will like these Nestle cereals. Because:

- these ones are made from whole grain. Fun to eat but still healthy because "whole grain” contains good carbohydrates, B Vitamins, and Iron.

- they're supposed to give a better energy boost than fruits and vegetables. Which makes sense because cereals are carbs, whole grain carbs in this case. Carbs are not bad for our kids, they could use a lot of it with all that energy bubbling inside them.

- she is predisposed to eating healthy. So hate me now. Ahahaha. Uy, I sometimes let her eat corn dogs, cupcakes and ice cream, yes even in the morning. I'm not that much of a party pooper.

How about you? What's your healthy breakfast of choice?

The NESTLE Breakfast Cereals line up includes Koko Krunch, Honey Stars, Cookie Crisp, and MILO. For more on Nestle Cereals, visit their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/nestlecereals.ph

Monday, June 24, 2013

I've been following Charlene Carlos and Leona Panutat, sisters-in-law aka The Inspiration Seekers on Twitter and Instagram and I knew they've been jetting off to exotic locales for shopping.

It was only when they invited me to their press lunch back in May that I realized, "Oooh! They are opening a store!". That store is L'Indochine, a gem of a shop on the third floor of SM Aura that carries handpicked treasures, mostly from Thailand and Vietnam.

So I, along with the kids, braved the mass of people that flowed into SM Aura the day after it opened, to check out what Charlene and Leona had in store. And what a store it is!

I promised myself I would just pop in, say hello and stay 15 minutes max, but I ended up staying for over an hour because I just loved browsing in their store. It was like being in an "Asian Anthropologie"!

owl jars

mermaid door stoppers

owl bookends, a best seller!

printed throw and floor pillows

octopus in a lacquer bowl, a close relation to the door stop mermaids

I ended up going through each rack, touching each piece - from silver hammered bowls, indigo-dyed fabrics, lacquered trays, accent tables, fabric poufs and pretty stoneware - picking it up, feeling the heftiness of it all (no flimsy products here!), admiring it further when Charlene tells the story, even the person behind each object. How each item is made by hand by artisans whose families have handed down the skill from one generation to another.